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Standing Up for Dog Bite Victims
Dog attacks happen suddenly, but the consequences can last a lifetime.
Beyond the physical wounds, victims often face trauma, disfiguring scarring, and overwhelming medical expenses. In both Texas and California, dog owners have a legal responsibility to control their animals and prevent attacks from happening.
At The Law Offices of Matthew M. Vincent, we know that most dog bites aren’t “accidents.” They’re usually the consequence of owners neglecting their duty to protect others from being harmed.
Matthew stands up for victims—especially children, who make up a large portion of dog bite cases—by proving carelessness and fighting for full and fair compensation for you and your loved ones.
And when you hire Matthew, you get Matthew. He limits his caseload so he can personally oversee each dog bite case from start to finish.
99% Win Success Rate & Over $40 Million Recovered for Personal Injury Clients
What To Do After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been injured in a boating crash, the steps you take immediately after can make a major difference in your claim:
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Get medical treatment right away. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and nerve damage.
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Identify the dog and owner. Secure names, addresses, and vaccination information.
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Report the incident. Notify animal control or local authorities so the attack is officially documented.
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Take photos of injuries. Document wounds immediately and throughout recovery.
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Avoid giving statements to insurers. Homeowner’s insurance companies may downplay your injuries.
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Contact an experienced dog bite injury attorney. Matthew can step in quickly to protect your rights and start building your case.
Learn more in our FAQ section or contact us for a free consultation.
Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle
Dog bite incidents can happen anywhere—from private homes to public spaces and apartment complexes. As a dog attack lawyer, Matthew helps victims in all types of dog-related injury cases, including:
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Attacks on children in residential neighborhoods
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Bites at parks, playgrounds, or walking trails
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Attacks involving delivery drivers or postal workers
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Dog-on-dog attacks leading to injuries of owners
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Attacks in public spaces like shopping centers
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Cases involving aggressive breeds
Dog bite cases can also overlap with wrongful death claims when attacks are fatal, or premises liability cases when property owners fail to control animals.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can cause devastating physical and emotional injuries, such as:
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Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
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Nerve damage and permanent scarring
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Infections, including rabies risk
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Broken bones from knockdowns or struggling
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Facial disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery
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Psychological trauma and PTSD
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Fatal injuries, especially to children and the elderly
Families struggling with long-term recovery may also benefit from our Spouse & Family Damages and Wrongful Death resources.
How Matthew M. Vincent Protects Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite claims often involve aggressive pushback from homeowners’ insurance companies, who try to minimize payouts. As a dog bite lawyer and personal injury attorney, Matthew counters these tactics by:
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Proving liability: Showing how the dog owner’s negligence or ordinance violations clearly contributed to the attack and its consequences.
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Holding insurers accountable: Negotiating against homeowner’s insurance companies that downplay injuries to reduce your payout.
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Maximizing compensation: Seeking damages for medical bills, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
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Personal involvement: Every case gets Matthew’s direct attention, not shuffled to a junior associate like in larger law firms.
With Matthew’s personal involvement and proven track record, you can trust that your dog bite case is built for the best possible outcome.
Causes of Dog Bites and the Compensation You May Recover
Most dog attacks don’t happen out of nowhere—they occur when owners fail to properly train, restrain, or supervise their animals. Common causes include dogs running loose without leashes or secure fencing, owners ignoring prior signs of aggression, and violations of local leash or restraint laws.
Some attacks happen when children unknowingly approach unsafe dogs, or when delivery workers or postal carriers encounter animals that have not been properly controlled. In apartment complexes or rental properties, inadequate enforcement of pet policies can contribute to serious attacks.
Proving the cause of the dog bite attack is essential, because it not only establishes negligence but also shows that these incidents are preventable when responsible owners take reasonable precautions with their animal.
Victims may be entitled to dog bite compensation covering their full medical bills, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, reconstructive or plastic surgery, and counseling for psychological trauma.
Compensation for victims may also cover lost income if injuries prevent work, reduced earning capacity for long-term damage, pain and suffering, and costs of ongoing care for permanent disfigurement or disability.
Families of dog attack victims may also be able to pursue wrongful death claims in the most tragic cases, and spouse and family damages if the victim of the attack is left unable to provide the same support at home.
By documenting the attack's physical, emotional, and financial impact, Matthew M. Vincent builds strong cases that hold negligent dog owners accountable and pursue the maximum compensation victims deserve.
Serving Clients Across Texas & California
With offices in Weatherford and Temecula, The Law Offices of Matthew M. Vincent is a trusted dog bite law firm representing victims across the Dallas–Fort Worth metro and the Inland Empire region of California.
Many dog bite injury cases can be handled virtually, so you can focus on recovery while Matthew and his dedicated staff handle the legal side.
See the list of major cities we serve in Texas and California.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
Who is liable for a dog bite?
In California, dog owners are strictly liable for bites that happen in public or when the victim is lawfully on private property. Texas law requires proving negligence, such as the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Does it matter if the dog never bit anyone before?
Not in California—liability exists even for a first bite. In Texas, prior knowledge can strengthen your case, but owners may still be held accountable.
Can I recover damages if the dog belonged to a friend or neighbor?
Yes. In most cases, the claim is filed against the owner’s homeowner’s insurance, not the individual personally. Filing a dog bite lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
What if my child was bitten?
Children have strong legal protections. Matthew fights to recover damages for medical bills, future surgeries, and emotional trauma.
How long do I have to file a claim?
For more questions, visit our full FAQ page.
No fees unless we win. 100% confidential. Quick response guaranteed.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, don’t wait to get help. Evidence and witnesses' memories fade quickly. Insurance companies move fast to reduce payouts. Call 1-855-893-7500 or complete our contact form below.
Call The Law Offices of Matthew M. Vincent today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.